Spooky Gulch: Permit, Route
Spooky Gulch permits are walk-up only in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The route covers 3 miles.
Squeeze through a slot so narrow you'll turn sideways, where walls tower 100 feet overhead and the sky becomes a thin ribbon of light.
This guide covers the Spooky Gulch permit.
2-4 hours
Duration
3 miles
Distance
200'
Elevation Gain
easy
Difficulty
About Spooky Gulch
Spooky Gulch is a non-technical slot canyon narrow enough to require sideways walking in sections. Part of the Dry Fork canyons complex, it can be combined with Peek-a-Boo Gulch for a full day. No ropes or technical gear required, but the slots are genuinely tight. Larger individuals should assess clearance carefully.
Spooky Gulch is one of the most accessible true slot canyons in Utah. No ropes, no swimming, just pure narrowness. Some passages require turning sideways. It's an introduction to what slot canyons are all about.
The Spooky Gulch route
- Distance
- 3 miles
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Elevation gain
- 200 ft
- High point
- 5,000 ft
- Low point
- 4,800 ft
- Trip length
- 2-4 hours
- Difficulty
- easy
Points along the route
- Lower Dry Fork TrailheadMile 0, 4,901 ft
- Spooky Gulch lower mouthMile 1.93, 4,647 ft
- Spooky Gulch upper endMile 2.25, 4,735 ft
Spooky Gulch permit detailsandAll Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument permits
The Experience
The walls close in until you're walking sideways. Light filters down from impossibly far above. Your pack scrapes rock on both sides. Then the slot opens for a moment before closing again, even tighter than before. It's thrilling and slightly claustrophobic and absolutely addictive.
From Dry Fork Trailhead (off Hole-in-the-Rock Road), a short hike leads to the slot canyon entrance. Spooky Gulch descends through several extremely narrow sections, some requiring you to remove your pack and push it ahead.
The route can be combined with Peek-a-Boo Gulch (accessed via the same trailhead) for a full day of slot canyon exploration.
What to Expect
3 miles round trip
Extremely narrow passages
Non-technical (no ropes)
Some sections require sideways movement
Can combine with Peek-a-Boo
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Permit Requirements
Free permit for overnight
Day use welcome
Pack out all waste
No widening passages
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Sturdy footwear
- •Headlamp (dark sections)
- •Small pack that fits through slots
- •Water
Hazards & Safety
Flash floods
Getting stuck in narrow sections
Larger individuals may not fit
Heat in summer
Best Time to Visit
Year-round when dry. Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot but slots provide shade.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Spooky Gulch?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit Spooky Gulch?
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Year-round when dry. Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot but slots provide shade.
How long is the Spooky Gulch route?
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The route is 3 miles, as an out-and-back. Plan on 2-4 hours.
How difficult is the Spooky Gulch route?
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Anyone comfortable with tight spaces seeking slot canyon experience.
What gear do I need for the Spooky Gulch route?
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Essential gear includes: Sturdy footwear, Headlamp (dark sections), Small pack that fits through slots, Water.
Don't Miss Your Spooky Gulch Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Spooky Gulch availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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